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Despite being a prince of a proud nation, Seungcheol knew he had to hold his tongue. Hong Joshua was a future ruler from an even bigger nation, with a military power so vast it made the rest of world shake in fear at the smallest threat from the nation.
It was not a nation to be trifled with and Seungcheol was lucky to be chosen to mate into their royal family, to sit side by side with the ruler of the most feared nation.
It was why he could only accept when he had gotten the letter from the prince, his fiancé, accepted that he would be nothing more than the official mate of Prince Joshua and the father of their pups, while Prince Joshua’s affections lay elsewhere.
Prince Joshua loved and cherished an omega. A servant. Sure, it was bitter to know he would mean nothing to the prince, but it’s not like Seungcheol had any personal feelings for him. They had met once, years ago, and it had been brief and unimportant.
But standing in their royal chambers after the bonding ceremony where they marked each other in front of hundreds of people, a heavy sadness overtook Seungcheol.
Prince Joshua was beautiful, dressed in traditional white drapes, adorned with jewellery and his light brown hair styled to make him seem soft.
A gem of the nation, indeed.
All of him was a beauty. Joshua was breaking some omega stereotypes by having thick arms and a sizeable chest. A strong omega. Further proven by the scent he carried, more alpha-like than even Seungcheol’s own. Minty and attention drawing.
Yet, it was clear Joshua had no interest in him. Looked bored where he stood, undressing casually only to change into more comfortable sleepwear, which hid
his skin more than the mating garb had. The fresh mating mark was still visible on the thin neck, red and aggravated and it probably throbbed as painfully as the one Seungcheol had.
They would never be a mated couple with doting actions and love for one another. Seungcheol would never have the sweet and loving omega he had always dreamt about making a family with.
“We’ll have to sleep in the same bed tonight, so we do not rouse suspicion,” Joshua’s face was blank, climbing into the bed and slipping in under the cover.
“Yeah.”
Seungcheol tried to fight the heavy feeling settling deep in his core, the way his heart ached at the future he had wanted never being achievable because his parents had not given him the choice to find an omega of his own.
Settled down next to his mate, breathing in the minty scent, Seungcheol mourned for his domestic dream and accepted the role he had to play.
-
Not even a day of being officially mated before Seungcheol had to meet the one who owned Joshua’s heart.
The lowly omega servant stood by foot-end of the bed early the next morning, dressed in the grey servant uniform. Just a simple shirt and a pair of slacks.
“It is 8AM, my lords.”
Seungcheol had woken up with a grumble, annoyed at the brightness of the room and he had looked towards the soft voice.
At first Seungcheol figured it was just a regular servant, a pretty one and an omega of course, everyone knew Prince Joshua only allowed omega servants in his wing. Nothing special about the omega, just a dainty, skinny thing with big eyes and long black hair reaching past his chin.
Sure, he definitely had suitors and his scent was sweet, kind of fruity, but nothing special.
“The bath has been prepared,” the servant spoke again. “You are both expected to be at the breakfast table at 9, the queen wants to talk.”
Joshua sighed next to Seungcheol and got up, hair a sticky mess and his scent soured with irritation. “Probably wanting to talk about heirs, she has never been the patient sort.”
While Seungcheol’s stomach flopped in happiness at the thought of /pups/, he noted a sad scent in the air. Heartbreak. Seungcheol’s gaze went to the servant again, whose face was professional and blank, but there was a tremble in his fingers and there was no way for him to hide his scent.
It’s then Seungcheol knew.
Instantly confirmed with the way Joshua got out of bed to pull the omega to him, cupping the face. “Oh, my lovely, don’t be so sad.”
“My prince-“ The servant was blushing, looking towards Seungcheol in panic. “This isn’t-“
“Shh,” Joshua’s demeanour had changed as soon as he had the servant in his arm, his scent spiking and turning domineering. The grip he had on the servant was unrelenting, his gaze firm. “He knows, my sweet, we don’t have to hide from him. He knows you’re mine.” Then he leaned down to kiss the squirming omega, roughly, seemingly not put off by the panic in the once sweet scent. It was a display, Seungcheol realised, done so Seungcheol would know how things were going to be.
Done so Seungcheol knew who the servant belonged to, as if Joshua saw even his own mate as a threat.
The kiss ended, the poor servant flushed and embarrassed as Joshua let go and took a few steps back.
“Send for one of the other servants to help with the bath, one of the mated ones.”
“Am I not going to do it, my prince?” The servant spoke with his eyes firmly on the floor. “My prince said it was my duty-“
“I don’t think it’s approproiate for an unmated omega to be in the vicinity of a naked alpha.”
Nothing improper about it, as long as at least one of them was mated, but there was a possessive flair in Joshua’s voice and his body grew tense.
Suddenly Seungcheol understood why only omegas were allowed in the east wing.
The servant nodded, lips drawn down in a big frown. “Of course, my lord.” He bowed. eyes never leaving the floor, and left.
Joshua sighed. “Shall we get this over with? The sooner we deal with the queen, the better.”
Seungcheol nodded, stomach curling with mixed emotions. “Yeah.”
The bath was big, and so was the tub filled with hot water. Spacious. Seungcheol couldn’t help but take in his mate naked for the first time, revealing soft skin, impressive muscles, and a perky butt Seungcheol had not expected.
And, though he tried not to, Seungcheol couldn’t help but look between the thighs.
At the cock hanging there proudly. It was huge and fully erect either due to the kiss shared with the servant or due to sporting a morning wood. Seungcheol had been with several omegas and all of them had had small cocks, so he had not expected this. He worried it may even be bigger than his own.
The length was so thick and long it hid the pussy, not satisfying Seungcheol's perverted curiosity.
Embarrassed he looked away while he finished undressing, joining his mate in the hot water and trying not to think too much about how an omega seemed to be bigger than him.
An attendant arrived with towels and clothes, an older omega sporting a faded, but clear mating mark on her neck.
“You’re dismissed,” Joshua said as soon as she had put down the fresh set of clothes on the counter and hanged the rags for cleaning on the tub. “We can wash ourselves.”
The old woman nodded, leaving the room in quick steps.
They barely spoke while they washed, though Seungcheol stole some glances and found himself admiring Joshua’s face.
Such a pretty omega, with cutely shaped lips, a beautiful and strong nose, and sparkly eyes. It’s hard to imagine someone so pretty could sport such a domineering and possessive side.
They got dressed in quiet too, so Seungcheol was startled when a soft voice reached his ears.
“We need to scent each other. The queen will be suspicious if we don’t smell like each other after our mating night.”
“Uh,” Seungcheol tilted his head. “We’ve washed, it’s only natural.” Plus due to their mating mark they would always smell like each other, even if only faintly.
“A night of passion shouldn’t be easily erased by a bath. Scent me.”
“Right.”
Seungcheol closed in, his instincts happy to see his omega baring his neck to him, wanting to be scented, but his rational side saw it as a transaction.
A necessity.
Seungcheol gently nosed along the mate mark, licking it carefully before moving up to rub his cheek with Joshua’s. Making Joshua smell of him, the fresh scent of the bath mostly erased. Joshua scented him back, though he was a little rougher with it and even bit down on the mate mark, making Seungcheol squeak in both surprise and hurt.
“Sorry, had to. The queen knows me, knows I’m the type to bite the mark whenever chance presents itself.”
A possessive lover.
“And if she thinks I’m not doing my duties, like carrying on the bloodline, then she will blame it on Jeonghan and punish him.”
So that was the servant’s name.
“I see.”
Joshua’s smile was polite and soulless. “Let’s go eat breakfast with the queen.”
-
The queen resided in the north wing, the most grandiose part of the palace. Breakfast was served on a surprisingly small table, a place of familial intimacy.
The queen still looked regal and powerful, even in a casual attire, her scent as powerful as always. The epitome of an alpha.
They greeted her respectfully and sat down, servants immediately pouring juice in the cups. There were three servants, one for each of them, Seungcheol supposed, but one of them was very familiar.
“What’s he doing here?”
The queen didn’t even blink. “It seemed only proper to call your personal attendant here,” she said, voice devoid of any emotion.
The servant, Jeonghan, looked a little uncomfortable where he was flanked by two alpha servants. They stood by the wall, out of sight until they had tasks to do or cups to fill. Yet he stood with his back straight, head held high despite the steely gaze of the queen centred on him.
“You know I prefer for him to remain in my wing,” Joshua looked almost wild, eyes flaring, yet he sat completely composed aside from the clenched fists in his lap.
“Oh, I must have forgotten,” the queen feigned a light, breezy tone. “My apologies, son. It is of no matter though, I want to hear about your plans for an heir.”
Seungcheol couldn’t stop the blush, felt himself sinking into his seat in embarrassed.
(Couldn’t stop himself from glancing at the servant, seeing the broken, sad expression).
“We just mated.”
“And? You are nearing your thirties, dear son. There’s no time to dally.”
“At least give us a few months to get to know each other before you start harassing us about heirs.”
“Harassing?” The queen let out a fake gasp. “I just want to see my grandchildren.” She then smiled. “Which reminds me. Jahyun.” One of the alpha servants stepped forward and bowed. “Go get the gift I prepared for the new mates.”
“Yes, my queen.”
“Bring the omega with you as well, in case you need the extra pair of hands.”
Jeonghan stepped forward and bowed politely, following the alpha out of the room.
Seungcheol glanced at Joshua, saw the fire in his eyes, the hint of a sneer.
“I expect for you to start trying soon,” the queen said. “I’ve spoiled you too much as it is, it’s time you perform your duties as the omega prince and the future ruler of our proud nation.”
Joshua eyes were still glued on the door where the servants had gone through.
“You will have your heir, I promise,” Joshua focused back on the queen. “Just stop with whatever games you’re playing. You promised you wouldn’t meddle with my affairs as long as I did my duty.”
“But you make it so easy,” the queen finally showed a real emotion, an almost cruel smirk. “Letting yourself be so weak for some mere servant.”
“You were the same with mom,” Joshua shot back, scent thick with anger. “You never even let her step out of the castle.”
The queen let out a lout laugh, a near bark. Seungcheol was startled, surprised to hear the regal woman make such a sound.
“Like father like son, I suppose,” the queen was grinning, but Joshua did not seem amused. His hands were still clenched, his scent sour, and something was tugging through their shared bond.
It was instincts that made Seungcheol reach for Joshua’s hand under the table, it was instincts that made him pour soothing pheromones onto the omega.
He almost balked back in surprise at his own actions, but was pleasantly surprised to see it had the desired effect;
Joshua calmed down, even if just a little. He even threw a grateful glance towards Seungcheol, the biggest emotion he had ever shown towards his mate.
“How sweet,” the queen still smiled, though there was nothing kind about it.
The door opened and Joshua’s head whipped towards it, eyes glued onto the servants.
Seungcheol found himself doing the same, saw the moment the servants went from freely smiling as if they had been joking and laughing on the way, to blank, professional faces.
The anger in Joshua’s scent could nearly be felt, and Seungcheol felt the possessiveness practically waft off of him.
But Seungcheol was personally more focused on the object the servants were carrying.
A beautiful wooden baby crib full of handcarved decorations.
He blanched.
The queen was surely not pulling her punches, that’s for sure.
“Isn’t it beautiful? It will be perfect for my first grandchild.”
Joshua was distracted, still watching the servants with a piercing glare, not reacting to the queen's words..
“Thank you, your highness,” Seungcheol said, putting on his politest smile. “It really is beautiful.”
“Such perfect manners,” she nodded. “You’ll be a good influence on my son.” She then directed her gaze to the servants. “Carry the gift to the east wing.”
Which meant Jeonghan disappearing again, with an alpha. Seungcheol felt the way Joshua tensed next to him, looking like he was ready to burst out of his seat and chase the servants down.
Which would displease the queen and Seungcheol prayed Joshua had the common sense to stay seated.
“You’re way too easy, darling,” the queen was laughing again, though this time it was elegant and proper. “If you don’t want me to mess with you, then don’t be such an easy target.”
Joshua’s gaze returned to the queen, still full of fire and anger. “Just stay out of my business, father. I’ll give you an heir in due time, back off.”
Seungcheol winced, but at least the anger seemed to be dimming and the rest of the breakfast was spent in a loaded silence.
-
Returning to the east wing made Seungcheol breathe out a sigh in relief, though he was already dreading the next time he had to spend time in the same room as the queen and Joshua. There was a deep resentment between the two, most likely born from their similarities.
To learn the queen had been as possessive as her son was… Well, it was revealing. If Joshua grew up seeing the way his father treated his mother, of course he too loved in the same way. Seungcheol’s heart sang for the omega servant, the way he was powerless and used by the queen to keep Joshua in check.
Seungcheol should dislike the omega servant, in theory, but this was all Joshua.
Seungcheol's heart constricted while he watched his mate roughly scent the whimpering omega.
“You stink like that alpha! He clearly touched you,” Joshua had Jeonghan pinned against the wall of the royal bedroom, uncaring of their witness.
A part of Seungcheol wanted to step in, but to do what exactly? Even Seungcheol was powerless in comparison to Joshua. He was the crown prince, one misstep and Seungcheol could get arrested. What good would that be to anyone?
“An accident!” The servant was shaking, yet baring his throat submissively. His big eyes were wider, his pink lips open as he was breathing heavily, a flush on his cheeks.
Pretty.
Maybe prettier than Seungcheol had initially assessed this very morning.
A sick thing to notice in the current situation, but the omega servant really was more beautiful than he had first thought. Big eyed, soft lips, a wiry body.
Honestly, he was the type Seungcheol tended to bed whenever his ruts hit.
Their eyes met, the servant’s eyes full of shame and embarrassment, quickly looking away.
“The storage room was dark and I nearly fell, he just grabbed onto me to steady me, that is all.”
Joshua’s growl was loud, but Seungcheol felt the anger fading through the mating bond and it seemed the explanation was accepted.
“You’re such a dainty, typical omega,” Joshua sighed, though he sounded fond and his touches turned gentle. Loving, and Seungcheol’s chest stung a little. It was a type of envy, a wish to have someone look at him this way, knowing it would never happen. Not necessarily Joshua, he acted like one of those alphas his younger omega brother feared. Alphas who think they own their omega mate.
“Joshuji,” the servant’s voice was meek but his scent had sweetened and he was leaning into the hand cupping his face. “You have duties to attend, you’re already late.”
Right.
When they first stepped into the room, the servant had been busy cleaning, but had also delivered a message; Joshua had a diplomatic meeting with some nobles from the south.
“I know,” Joshua sounded annoyed, but he took a few steps back, eyes on the servant for a few quiet moments before he looked towards Seungcheol.
Finally being acknowledged made Seungcheol straighten up his back, face red from embarrassment; he really had just stood there and watched his mate harass a poor servant.
“I don’t like leaving my Jeonghan with alphas, but I trust you won’t do anything foolish, Seungcheol.”
Joshua’s voice was deceptively gentle, one corner of his lip turned up in a mocking smile.
Seungcheol refused to say anything, knew Joshua wasn’t waiting for an answer.
“I’ll be back in a few hours.”
It was deicededly weird to be left alone with the mistress of your mate. To stand there and watch the frail omega still leaning against the wall, body trembling and eyes closed.
Seungcheol wondered if he should say something, or maybe do something, but the omega spoke before he could decide.
“You don’t have to look at me like that, your highness,” Jeonghan’s voice was soft, delicate even, though there was a tint of steel in it. “It’s sweet of you to worry, but I don’t deserve such kindness.”
“… But are you okay?” Seungcheol stepped a little closer, a part of him wanting to embrace the omega and console him, like he did with his family members whenever they were upset.
“Josh- The prince's possessiveness is something I don’t mind. I am simply embarrassed to have a witness to this and I feel guilty, for he is technically your mate.” The omega was no longer trembling and he was moving around again, cleaning as he talked.
“But you smell sad.”
It was true, the sweet scent had a heavy undertone of pure sadness.
“I am still reeling from the queen’s attack against me,” the servant answered truthfully. “She made me carry that crib to mock me. Reminding me how I can never have what I crave the most as long as I’m with the crown prince.” Painfully candid. Wearing his heart on his sleeve.
“Oh.” It was hard to ignore his instincts of wanting to comfort the distraught omega. The sheer pain in the servant’s scent gave Seungcheol a headache, his alpha fighting to reach out and tuck the omega close.
Keep him safe.
“I am sorry,” Seungcheol said quietly.
“It’s not your fault,” Jeonghan said firmly. “You’re stuck in this situation as much as I am. You have a spouse who loves another, it must hurt.”
“It does,” Seungcheol admitted. “But I don’t know him, so it doesn’t hurt as much as it could if I had loved him.” The crown prince was practically a stranger to Seungcheol.
“If the queen has her way, which she does, you will soon have a child to raise,” the servant’s voice was weak and tender. “You’ll have someone who will love you and idolise you soon.”
Guilt deepened in Seungcheol, the raw pain and envy in Jeonghan's voice spoke to him. There was nothing he could say or do to ease the mourning the servant was feeling. They were both miserable, stuck in a situation far from ideal due to politics and a crazed father-son duo.
What was he supposed to say in this situation? No word felt right.
"Has anyone given you a tour of the East wing, your highness?"
Seungcheol blinked, startled at the topic change. "No, not yet," he answered.
"Then if you will allow me...?" Jeonghan's voice trailed off.
"I'd love that, thank you."
The smile on Jeonghan's face was small and polite, but genuine.
-
There was plenty to do in his new home, and sometimes Seungcheol didn't see Joshua for days. Both were busy people and as the crown prince's alpha mate, Seungcheol had duties to attend. Nothing political because he was the one married into family and it might take years before he was trusted to handle the country's affairs, but he was tasked with dealing with the affairs in the East wing. Tasks usually done by an omega, but Seungcheol had known this mating would be.. Unusual.
Despite Hong Joshua presenting as an omega, everyone knew the Queen had no plans of letting anyone but her son rule the lands. An omega ruler was mostly unheard of, but who would go against the Queen? And Joshua had proven himself capable over the years, navigating politics with an uncanny ease.
Seungcheol had never been good at politics. It was why he had been chosen to be sent away. He was already deemed a rather useless alpha, being overwhelmed too easily.
So this life suited Seungcheol pretty well. There was an amicableness between the two. They slept together in the royal bedchamber fairly often, would scent each other before meeting important people. Everyone believed they had consummated the marriage.
But there were also looks of pity. Joshua's obsession with the low born omega servant was an open secret.
It was hypocritical, really, if Joshua had married into Seungcheol's royal family, Joshua would have been the First Wife, but Seungcheol would have been expected to take in concubines.
If anything it only seemed natural. This was an unconventional dynamic already, so it only made sense for Joshua to be the one with concubines.
It didn't bother Seungcheol much. Not when his life had become so painfully easy. Despite it all, despite the strange circumstances, Seungcheol was glad to be out of his home. Glad to be away from his judging father. His mate might be a possessive mad man, but it was nothing compared to the heavy expectations of his father.
The only downside was Jeonghan.
Such a lovely omega. The more Seungcheol interacted with him, the more he understood Joshua's obsession. The alluring scent, the pretty smile, the big and warm eyes. Even his voice sounded like pure temptation.
If Joshua hadn't taken and hidden him away, Jeonghan would have been knotted and mated upon his presentation. Despite his low status, there would be plenty high status alphas willing to take him in as a concubine or even as the First Wife.
But here he was, stuck as the shameful toy of a married omega.
Seungcheol hated seeing the wistful sadness in the big, expressive eyes. The poorly hidden longing whenever a mated couple and their kids attended banquets.
He knew Joshua saw it too. Had seen hands balling to fists while eyes flared with resentment - not towards Jeonghan, no, Seungcheol had been quick to understand how Joshua hated what he was.
How he loathed being an omega.
How he abhorred being unable to give Jeonghan what he wished - the life Jeonghan yearned for.
But he was unable to let Jeonghan go. Seungcheol knew Joshua's love was dark and twisted. Steeped in possessiveness.
Seungcheol had seen the accepted defeat in Jeonghan's eyes, his exasperated smiles whenever Joshua fretted about foreign scents clinging to his skin.
Seungcheol also saw the devotion. The utter love. A hint of the same obsession reflected.
Seungcheol was the outsider getting a front row seat to a doomed love and his heart couldn't help but twist in sympathy.
-
"Do you hate me?" Seungcheol spoke with genuine curiosity m. He was looking at the dainty omega servant quietly cleaning away the plates still full of food. It was only the two of them in the room, Joshua having been called away for an urgent matter in the middle of dinner.
"Why would I hate you, your highness?" Jeonghan spared him a brief, confused look before turning back to his task. Seungcheol itched to help and he was unable to resist. Stood up, grabbing a few plates and placing them on the trolley.
"Because I have what you don't. I bear his mark when you can't."
Jeonghan stopped his movements, lips thinning. Seungcheol kept cleaning. Needing something to do as the silence dragged on.
"Maybe," Jeonghan finally admitted. "But also not really. I pity you as well. I-" He hesitated, eyelashes fluttering. He really was pretty. A little too fragile for an omega. A pregnancy would take its toll on him, but he was still a marvel. Seungcheol felt inexplicably bad for having once thought he was plain, even if only for a moment. "I quite like you as a person, your highness. You're a lovely alpha. A gentle one. You should be with someone you deserve and not being a part of this mess, but I'm still glad it's you he's mated to. You're understanding. Patient." Every word was laced with sincerity. Spoken confidently.
Seungcheol blushed from the compliments. Mouth drying. "I-uh, you're a lovely person too, Jeonghan. You deserve better." 'You deserve a life'.
Jeonghan's smile was knowing and sad. The two worked quietly.
-
There was an easy camaraderie growing with Jeonghan. Having seen Jeonghan at his most vulnerable as the months passed; whenever Joshua's possessiveness flared up, or whenever Jeonghan was reminded of the life he was barred from ever having. It was hard to not feel for him.
And he knew Jeonghan had seen the same. Seen Seungcheol's hurt from being ignored by his own mate, despite the humming Bond between them. Having witnessed Seungcheol's slow realisation of Joshua's clear dislike at the idea of being pregnant.
Even when the Queen began demanding, her impatience showing and her anger growing, Joshua would play it off. Claim they were trying despite their only touches being occasional scenting sessions.
Seungcheol wondered how long it would take before the Queen acted. Knew every passing day Jeonghan was in more danger.
Seungcheol worried.
-
"I see the way you look at Jeonghan."
Seungcheol blinked in confusion. Had just slipped into bed. It was one of the days where they shared a bed to keep people from talking and to ensure their scents mingled.
"How do I look at him?" Seungcheol asked.
"With pity," Joshua's gaze was sharp, his expression blank. "Do you think I'm cruel, Seungcheol?" He spoke in an emotionless tone. Was standing before the bed, still changing his clothes to night wear.
"Yes," Seungcheol said honestly. Squirmed in discomfort. Silence followed. Seungcheol watched as Joshua's shirt fell to the ground, revealing a broad, muscled chest. If not for the puffiness of the nipples and the hint of swelling on the chest from his heat nearing, Joshua would have looked like an alpha.
Seungcheol looked down at his lap. Inspected the bed cover covering his legs, ears burning.
Joshua was beautiful, truly. Narrow waist, broad chest, thick arms. Not omega like at all, yet Seungcheol couldn't deny the tug of interest.
"I know I'm cruel," Joshua murmured. The bed dipping and the blanket lifting. His scent tickling Seungcheol's nose pleasantly.
Seungcheol looked towards him. Met his eyes. They were sitting close, the bed was only so big.
"Growing up, he was promised to me. When he presented as an omega it felt like fate. Everyone knew I would present as an alpha, or at least as a beta. I was told I could claim Jeonghan as soon as I did. Take him as my future wife." Never before had Joshua spoken with such a soft, fragile tone before Seungcheol. "But you saw how it turned out. I was suddenly expected to let go of the person I had loved most of my life. Allow some alpha to take him and-" Joshua inhaled sharply, shoulder's bristling.
"I can't. Ever. I'm selfish. Cruel. Evil."
Seungcheol said nothing. His heart stirred in sympathy, even if he fundamentally disagreed with Joshua.
"I'd sooner die than let him go," Joshua spoke in a firm tone. Unashamed. Unwavering.
It brought a chill down Seungcheol's back.
-
Another few months. More pressure.
Seungcheol caved.
Blurted out the words he had been too scared to say.
"The queen is losing her patience."
It was another evening where Seungcheol and Joshua shared a bed. It was late, the oil in the lamp having already ran out. Pitch black, but Seungcheol knew Joshua was awake.
"I know," Joshua's voice was steady. Monotone. "Don't worry, I have a plan. I'll reveal it soon. You should sleep."
Ssungcheol felt oddly reassured. Joshua was ruled by his obsessiveness towards Jeonghan, but he wasn't stupid. If Joshua had a plan, it meant it would be a reliable plan.
Seungcheol slept soundly.
-
Seungcheol had thought wrong.
It had been a few days since Joshua said he had a plan. Joshua had called Seungcheol into the bedroom in the middle of the day.
Jeonghan was already there. His gaze downcast, his cheeks red, and his hands fisted.
An ominous feeling had taken root in the pit of his stomach.
And five minutes later-
"Are you insane? If the queen realises she will have Jeonghan's head!" Seungcheol let out an alpha growl, squaring his shoulders and glaring at Joshua.
Joshua only rose an eyebrow, seemingly unphased. Didn't even flinch at Seungcheol's aggressive pheromones nor the anger simmer through their bond.
Seungcheol ignored the deepening crack in his heart. Turned his gaze towards Jeonghan, softening his stands. "You agreed to this?"
Jeonghan looked frail. A slight tremor running through the body. Then a short, slow nod.
"Even if she finds out, as long as the secret is kept well she doesn't care. She just wants an heir," Joshua talked in a lazy manner. Uncaring and flat. "Having a baby I claim is mine is better than me not having a baby at all. She just wants an heir."
"This is still stupid! You're risking everything. You're playing with Jeonghan's feelings!"
A flash of cold in Joshua's eyes. A burning hot anger licking its way through the bond. Seungcheol gasped.
"Please-" Jeonghan took a step forward. "I'm willing. I- Shu- His highness promised I be assigned as the main caretaker. It's- It's the closest I can get to having a family," his eyes were wide. Pleading. "Please." Pure longing. Despair.
All fight left Seungcheol. He looked between the stoic Joshua and the nearly crying Jeonghan. Sucked in a breath before nodding. "Fine. How?" He stared directly at Joshua.
"I'll fake it so it looks like I'm pregnant. When Jeonghan's starts showing we're going to a remote house in the mountains with some medical personnel I trust. And everyone knows I don't go anywhere without Jeonghan", Joshua glanced towards Jeonghan with softness. "He can deliver the baby safely there and I'll make sure to scent it so it smells like me. No one is going to question why the baby always smells a little of Jeonghan when Jeonghan is the main caretaker."
It was cruel. Raising your own child, but having to pretend it belonged to someone else. His heart ached for Jeonghan and he blamed Joshua's obsession for causing Jeonghan's desperation.
"And how will Jeonghan get pregnant?" Seungcheol asked.
A laugh. Not cruel or mocking, but Joshua's face was lit up with amusement. "Does my mate not know how babies are made? You're going to fuck him."
It was the logical conclusion, yet not what Seungcheol had expected from Joshua's mouth. This jealous, possessive prince whom would lose his cool if an alpha even glanced in Jeonghan's direction was going to allow an alpha to breed him?
Seungcheol could not believe it.
"Of course, I'll be there. My word will be law," Joshua tilted his head. "I trust you won't overstep your boundaries nor disobey my words during it all."
Seungcheol hated every bit of this insane plan, but faced with Jeonghan's hopeful, sparkling eyes it was impossible to say no.
He could only pray and hope this wouldn't end in total disaster.